Monterey Pop DVD

This documentary film from director D.A. Pennebaker features live performances, behind-the-scenes and audience footage, and other selections from the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, which was considered to be the forerunner to Woodstock. The concert was organized by Alan Pariser, an L.A. rock scenester; John Philips, singer for the Mamas and the Papas; and Lou Adler, a record producer; along with a board of musicians such as Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Donovan, Brian Wilson, and Smokey Robinson. Performers include Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Who, Jefferson Airplane, and The Byrds, among many others.

The Monterey International Pop Festival -- the first of the big rock festivals -- took place over three days, January 16 to January 18, 1967, and drew 50,000 people. Tickets for Monterey ranged in price from $3.50 to $6. Performers who appeared at the festival (but not necessarily in the film): Big Brother and the Holding Company, Otis Redding, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Who, The Grateful Dead, The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, The Association, The Electric Flag, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Canned Heat, The Blues Project, Laura Nyro, Hugh Masekela, Buffalo Springfield, Country Joe and the Fish, Booker T. and the MG's, The Mamas and the Papas, Quicksilver Messenger Serivce, The Mar-Keys, Lou Rawls, Eric Burdon & the Animals, and Ravi Shankar. Filmed in 16mm. Screened at the 1968 Venice Film Festival. Distribution and production company: Leacock-Pennebaker, Inc. Monkee member Mickey Dolenz and Mama Cass Elliot can be glimpsed in the audience during the climactic Ravi Shankar sitar number. Tracks include: "Ball and Chain" "Wild Thing" "California Dreamin'" "Feelin' Groovy" In August 2001, the film was rereleased in a new 35 mm print and received a theatrical run at The Screening Room in New York City.

Monterey Pop Reviews:

"[N]ot only the first major rock festival movie but one of the most memorable." -- Mojo Staff, Mojo   Hide Description